Hot US ice cream sales

According to new consumer research from US-based Mintel, ice cream remains one of the US’ favourite treats with two trends dominating the market – familiar indulgence products and healthy frozen varieties.

Americans spent $12.4 billion (€7.8bn) on ice cream, frozen yogurt and similar products in 2007, according to the report. 91% of adults and 98% of kids have eaten ice cream within the past year, though only three in five (59%) ate novelties such as ice cream sandwiches or bars. Less than two in five ate sherbet or frozen yogurt (37% and 34%, respectively).

In 2007, ice cream accounted for nearly 60% of total sales from ice cream, frozen novelties, sherbet and frozen yogurt combined. Frozen novelties made up over a third of sales (36%), while sherbet and frozen yogurt accounted for just 5%.

Frozen novelties sales grew 7.2% from 2002 to 2007 and with today’s health-conscious consumer looking for a balance between nutrition and indulgence, “options such as light, portion-controlled ice cream bars or lower calorie frozen yogurt are sure to resonate,” the report states.

Mintel forecasts the market for ice cream, frozen novelties, sherbet and frozen yogurt through all retail channels to grow 15% from 2008 to 2012.